Support for President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) has slipped markedly since his rival visited China, according to a poll by a Chinese-language newspaper published yesterday.
The United Daily News poll was taken on Wednesday as Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Chairman Lien Chan (
The poll said only 34 percent of the respondents approved of Chen's performance, while 50 percent disapproved and 17 percent had no opinion.
A poll conducted by the same newspaper in March found 41 percent approving of Chen's performance, 37 percent disapproving, and 22 percent having no opinion.
Lien's visit to China has put Chen on the defensive, forcing him to soften his stance on Beijing but drawing ire from pan-green supporters, who criticized Chen's decision to back off from condemning Lien's trip.
The latest survey said Chen's support fell mostly among members of his party and the Taiwan Solidarity Union (TSU). Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) officials said many supporters in southern Taiwan -- a DPP stronghold -- wanted to leave the party.
In an emergency party meeting, DPP Chairman Su Tseng-chang (蘇貞昌) hinted the president needed to take strong action to minimize the damage from Lien's trip.
``In this China fever, we can see that the Chinese communists did not make any concessions and yet Taiwan has slanted toward them,'' Su said. ``We are having a national crisis that's worrying us.''
Wednesday's poll was conducted by telephone among 838 people. It had a margin of error of 3.4 percentage points.
Aftershocks from a magnitude 6.2 earthquake that struck off Yilan County at 3:45pm yesterday could reach a magnitude of 5 to 5.5, the Central Weather Administration (CWA) said. Seismological Center technical officer Chiu Chun-ta (邱俊達) told a news conference that the epicenter of the temblor was more than 100km from Taiwan. Although predicted to measure between magnitude 5 and 5.5, the aftershocks would reach an intensity of 1 on Taiwan’s 7-tier scale, which gauges the actual effect of an earthquake, he said. The earthquake lasted longer in Taipei because the city is in a basin, he said. The quake’s epicenter was about 128.9km east-southeast
GENSLER SURVEY: ‘Economic infrastructure is not enough. A city needs to inspire pride, offer moments of joy and foster a sense of belonging,’ the company said Taipei was named the city with the “highest staying power” in the world by US-based design and architecture firm Gensler. The Taiwanese capital earned the top spot among 65 cities across six continents with 64 percent of Taipei respondents in a survey of 33,000 people saying they wanted to stay in the city. Rounding out the top five were Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City (61 percent), Singapore (59 percent), Sydney (58 percent) and Berlin (51 percent). Sixth to 10th place went to Monterrey, Mexico; Munich, Germany; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Vancouver; and Seoul. Cities in the US were ranked separately, with Minneapolis first at
The New Taipei City Government today warned about the often-overlooked dangers of playing in water, and recommended safe swimming destinations to cool off from the summer heat. The following locations in the city as safe and fun for those looking to enjoy the water: Chienshuiwan (淺水灣), Baishawan (白沙灣), Jhongjiao Bay (中角灣), Fulong Beach Resort (福隆海水浴場) and Sansia District’s (三峽) Dabao River (大豹溪), New Taipei City Tourism and Travel Department Director-General Yang Tsung-min (楊宗珉) said. Outdoor bodies of water have variables outside of human control, such as changing currents, differing elevations and environmental hazards, all of which can lead to accidents, Yang said. Sudden
The Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association has cautioned Japanese travelers to be vigilant against pickpockets at several popular tourist spots in Taiwan, including Taipei’s night markets, the Yongkang Street area, Zhongshan MRT Station, and Jiufen (九份) in New Taipei City. The advisory, titled “Recent Development of Concerns,” was posted on the association’s Web site under its safety and emergency report section. It urges travelers to keep backpacks fully zipped and carried in front, with valuables placed at the bottom of the bag. Visitors are advised to be especially mindful of their belongings when taking photos or speaking on the phone, avoid storing wallets and
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